South Africa will open its borders for international flights on October 1, announced President Cyril Ramaphosa in his latest address to the nation on Wednesday, September 16.

This comes as the country moves to national lockdown alert level 1 at midnight on Sunday, September 20, on the back of the daily rate of infections continuing to slow down to fewer than 2 000 per day. At peak, the number of infections was up to 10 000 to 15 000 per day. The recovery rate is currently at 89%.

The opening of borders will be based on certain restrictions and those countries with high infection rates may be prevented from entering South Africa. Ramaphosa said a list of the countries that fell into the high-risk category would be published over the next few days.

International travellers will also be required to present a COVID-19-free certificate that is dated no later than 72 hours within their date of arrival.

Those who do not have a certificate will face a mandatory quarantine period at their own cost.

Source: https://www.tourismupdate.co.za/article/sas-international-borders-open-oct-1